The Josh Wright Piano Podcast

In this episode, we address the question of whether it is advisable to attend music school in your 30’s after only playing piano for a short time. What are the advantages and disadvantages? Is there a better path that will maximize learning?

To view Josh’s online courses, website, and gear, please visit https://linktr.ee/JoshWrightPiano

In this podcast, we discuss some of the advantages and disadvantages of competing in piano competitions. I had the opportunity to compete since I was 9 years old, and I’ve learned many valuable lessons over the years from doing so. However, competitions are not always beneficial, especially if you have the wrong mindset going into a competition. I hope the points presented in this podcast can help if you’re considering competing!

To view Josh’s online courses, website, and gear, please visit https://linktr.ee/JoshWrightPiano

In this episode, we discuss improving your mindset at the piano by removing negative self-talk and limiting thoughts, and replacing them with mantras such as “Go fast...not hard. Effortless speed. No resistance.” This is somewhat of an abstract thing to talk about when improving piano technique, but I have seen drastic results in my own playing when adopting these practices. I hope it helps you in your studies!

For links to my webinar, website, social media platforms, free trainings, gear, and other resources, click here: https://linktr.ee/JoshWrightPiano

In this episode, we discuss how to deal with competition among siblings or spouses in regards to piano studies. Should the same repertoire be played by multiple family members at the same time? What are some ways we could thrive as a family in our piano studies without causing resentment, jealousy, or discouragement, since each person progresses at a different pace? How should we deal with piano competitions and recitals? I hope the information in this podcast can help if multiple members of your household play the piano!

In this throwback episode, we discuss what it takes to become a concert pianist, including the realities of such a career, the uncertainty, the difficulties, and also the gratification and rewarding nature of creating music for a living. I hope you find it helpful if you are considering a career in music!

Link for YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rDvQ0T2bPw

For links to my webinar, website, social media platforms, free trainings, gear, and other resources, click here: https://linktr.ee/JoshWrightPiano

In this podcast episode requested by Sophie, we discuss the technical regimen I followed when I was younger, including the various books and exercises I worked on to establish a good foundation with piano technique. I also discuss other discoveries I’ve made through years of teaching. I hope you find the suggestions in this episode helpful and insightful.

In this podcast episode, we answer a question from Massimo, who asked about how to get rid of tension in Alberti bass figurations in the left hand. I’ve seen many students struggle with Alberti bass, and each of them has solved his or her issues by using the advice presented here - the solution is quite simple and effective. Examples are given from Czerny Etude Op.299 No.10, Mozart Sonata in C major K545, and Mozart Sonata in F major K332. I hope this helps in your studies of pieces that contain Alberti bass. Make sure to subscribe to the Josh Wright Piano Podcast on your favorite podcast platform!

In this throwback episode, we discuss a question I’ve received many times over the years from my social media audience. How do I go about teaching my first piano lesson? Is there a good method book to follow? How should I incorporate technical exercises? I hope the tips offered in this video can help if you’re interested in teaching piano!

Link for YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQOEs4oo19k

For links to my webinar, website, social media platforms, free trainings, gear, and other resources, click here: https://linktr.ee/JoshWrightPiano

In this episode, we discuss “boring days”, days NOT filled with drama, and how in these quiet, non-eventful days, we can often find the greatest sources of inspiration to help take our piano playing to a deeper and more meaningful level.

I’m so excited to post this very informative interview with my good friend - Ricky Rhinehart - who is a national champion powerlifter and concert pianist. For as long as I’ve been posting videos to YouTube, my audience members have consistently asked me how to work out SAFELY as a musician. While I enjoy working out, and have been lifting weights 3-4x a week for the last 3 years, I’m under no impression that I’m an authority on this subject, haha. Ricky and I reconnected awhile back on a piano-related manner, and I started following his instagram account - @darthrhinehart - where he shows videos of his own workout regimen, as well as those of the clients he trains. Along with his powerlifting and strength-training clients, he also teaches piano several hours a day, and has his degree in Piano Performance from the University of Utah. In this interview, Ricky walks us through the best practices for strength-training, whether you’re a beginner or a veteran in the gym, and reveals incredible advice on how to do so safely, effectively, and efficiently as a musician. Thank you so much for inspiring us Ricky! If any of you are interested in online strength-training coaching or piano lessons, email Ricky atdarthrhinehart@yahoo.com(Darth is his middle name, but he assures me he is also a Star Wars fan).

In today’s episode, we discuss many tips when you’re considering buying a new piano, and also tips for maintaining your current piano to keep it in the best shape possible. Purchasing a piano is one of the biggest decisions you can make, and you’ll most likely be spending more time with this new piano than your closest friends, so make sure to be patient and take your time during this process. If you’re in the market for a used Steinway, make sure to check out my piano technician’s (Russell Sorensen) website - www.SeriousPianos.com.

For links to Josh’s webinar, website, social media platforms, free trainings, gear, and other resources, click here: https://linktr.ee/JoshWrightPiano

In this podcast episode, we discuss the notion of being “just a neighborhood teacher,” and how misleading this term can be. Most likely, 95% of concert pianists started with “just a neighborhood teacher” before moving on to study with a more advanced teacher. Teaching beginners and intermediate students is JUST AS IMPORTANT of an endeavor as teaching advanced students. If it weren’t for my mom and grandma, who were “just neighborhood teachers”, this podcast, my YouTube channel, and my music career wouldn’t exist. I’m so grateful for teachers of all levels who are helping to spread music to the next generation of pianists. Thank you for your continued efforts and hard work!

In this episode, we discuss how to approach thick, chordal passages that can often be confusing to learn and memorize. What are some strategies to speed up the learning process? Examples are given from Rachmaninoff Prelude in C-sharp minor, Op.3 No.2. This episode was requested by Mona

For links to Josh’s webinar, website, social media platforms, free trainings, gear, and other resources, click here: https://linktr.ee/JoshWrightPiano

This is the audio from a recent YouTube video I posted, discussing discouragement and depression as a musician. I dive into some of my own weaknesses and strengths in piano studies, as well as some of the weaknesses and strengths my colleagues have shared with me, and how studying the piano is an ultra-marathon. I hope this gives you some encouragement and inspiration if you're facing difficulties in your pieces or in your studies in general.

For links to my webinar, website, social media platforms, free trainings, gear, and other resources, click here: https://linktr.ee/JoshWrightPiano

Entrepreneurialism, Careers in Music, and Finding your Musical WHY

(Guest appearance on the Musician’s Toolbox podcast)

To learn more or subscribe to The Musician’s Toolbox podcast or YouTube channel, click here: https://linktr.ee/themusicianstoolbox

For links to Josh’s webinar, website, social media platforms, free trainings, gear, and other resources, click here: https://linktr.ee/JoshWrightPiano

In this episode, we discuss some of the strategies to effectively prepare for competitions, not only from a practical perspective, but also from a psychological perspective. Creating the right mindset around competitions can make them extremely beneficial to one's career. If someone enters competitions with the wrong mindset, they can be very detrimental to one's career and confidence. I hope you enjoy the tips and advice presented in this episode.

For links to my webinar, website, social media platforms, free trainings, gear, and other resources, click here: https://linktr.ee/JoshWrightPiano

In this episode, we discuss some strategies you can use when you are unable to take lessons with a teacher. This has become a real problem in 2020 with the COVID-19 quarantine. I hope some of the solutions I offer in this episode can be of assistance.

For links to my webinar, website, social media platforms, free trainings, gear, and other resources, click here: https://linktr.ee/JoshWrightPiano

In this episode, we discuss some of my favorite tips in order to produce a light, fleeting, "pearly" sound at the piano, along with tips on how to achieve this without creating extra tension in the hand.

For links to my webinar, website, social media platforms, free trainings, gear, and other resources, click here: https://linktr.ee/JoshWrightPiano

In this episode, we discuss the question of playing repertoire that may be a bit too difficult for your current level, and strategies for pacing your repertoire wisely to help you improve in a more efficient manner.

For links to my webinar, website, social media platforms, free trainings, gear, and other resources, click here: https://linktr.ee/JoshWrightPiano

In this episode, we discuss 3 of my favorite strategies for improving motivation and drive. This episode is dedicated to Rajesh and Efy.

For links to my website, social media platforms, free trainings, and other resources, click here: https://linktr.ee/JoshWrightPiano

In this episode, we discuss nerves, stage fright, and performing strategies. I share many personal experiences, as well as advice I've received from numerous sources that have helped me overcome nerves and deal with the pressures of being on stage. I hope it helps you in your studies!

For links to my website, social media platforms, free trainings, and other resources, click here: https://linktr.ee/JoshWrightPiano

In this episode, we answer Stephanie's question about my favorite resources for piano, including sheet music, books, recordings, and gear.

Here is a list of all links mentioned in the podcast:

SCORES/SHEET MUSIC

Henle Editions - https://www.henle.de/us/shop/urtext-editions/

Chopin National Edition - https://amzn.to/2S7HecW

Public Domain Sheet Music: https://imslp.org/wiki/Main_Page

ForScore App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/forscore/id363738376?ign-mpt=uo%3D4

Nkoda: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/nkoda-the-sheet-music-library/id1327811418

Metronome app: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/metronome-%CF%9F/id416443133

TurboScan app: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/turboscan-document-scanner/id1017559099

PianoMarvel (inexpensive sight-reading software): http://www.pianomarvel.com/?promoCode=josh

BOOKS:

The Art of Piano Playing - https://amzn.to/36Pvxvn

Famous Pianists and Their Technique - https://amzn.to/2M76RXa

Piano Technique - https://amzn.to/2M9IuIJ

RECORDINGS:

Sergei Babayan on InstantEncore: https://www.instantencore.com/contributor/contributor.aspx?CId=5131140

Daniil Trifonov “Chopin Evocations”: https://amzn.to/2rR1BjT

Sergei Babayan “Scarlatti Sonatas”: https://amzn.to/2PDxOEp

GEAR:

Blue Yeti Condenser Microphone: https://amzn.to/35AL2av

iPad Pro 12.9 inch (for music reading): https://amzn.to/2PA17Yl

Apple Pencil: https://amzn.to/34Ais7J

LINKS TO ALL OTHER GEAR:

https://kit.co/joshwrightpiano

Watch Josh’s Free Training - “10 Unusual Tips To Take Your Playing To The Next Level” - https://events.genndi.com/register/818182175026332624/cdaf3bed15?fbclid=IwAR24tFZpRpdzYDJ9bP5qESFCbDaX5rNvqh3kAPkLzlilobEiI0bqFCzNaOs

For links to Josh’s website, social media platforms, free trainings, and other resources, click here: https://linktr.ee/JoshWrightPiano

In this episode, we discuss the ideas of phases and obsessions, and why obsessing over things in your piano studies can be the catalyst to mastering difficult concepts and pieces.

For links to my website, social media platforms, free trainings, and other resources, click here: https://linktr.ee/JoshWrightPiano

Welcome to the Josh Wright Piano Podcast! I look forward to hearing from you about any questions you have in your musical journey. Please submit your requests for upcoming podcast topics to josh@joshwrightpiano.com. Please put "PODCAST" in the subject line.

For links to my website, social media platforms, free trainings, and other resources, click here: https://linktr.ee/JoshWrightPiano